Tomboy Survival Guide

CBC Books | CBC News | Posted: March 2, 2017 3:32 PM | Last Updated: January 9, 2019

Ivan Coyote

Image | BOOK COVER: Tomboy Survival Guide by Ivan Coyote

Tomboy Survival Guide is on the Canada Reads 2018 longlist

Tomboy Survival Guide is a funny and moving memoir told in stories, in which Coyote recounts the pleasures and difficulties of growing up a tomboy in Canada's Yukon, and how they learned to embrace their tomboy past while carving out a space for those of us who don't fit neatly into labels.

Ivan Coyote memoir reflects on not living in a gender 'box'

The book warmly recounts Coyote's adventures and mishaps as a diffident yet free-spirited tomboy, and maps their journey through treacherous gender landscapes and a maze of labels that don't quite stick, to a place of self-acceptance and an authentic and personal strength. (From Arsenal Pulp Press)

How does Ivan Coyote start writing? By making a list — and cleaning their house

From the book

Ratchet set. Grease nipples. Plaid. Harris tweed. Cufflinks. Suede. Cedar shavings. Solid teak end tables. Drill press. Oblique muscles. Coveralls. Pocketknife. Pocket square. Roadmaps. Hatchet. Hand saw. Handkerchief. Haberdashery. Remote control. Control. Power. Power steering. Swim trunks. Button down. Plain brown belt. Drum kit. Rock. Rock hammer. Level. Chisel. Chiseled. Three-piece suit, three-way switch wiring diagram. Collar stays, razor strop, and chivalry.

None of these words have a gender.

Author interviews

Media Audio | The Next Chapter : TNC Special - Ivan E. Coyote and Rae Spoon

Caption: Shelagh's extended conversation with Ivan E. Coyote and Rae Spoon, authors of "Gender Failure".

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Media Audio | On The Coast : Ivan Coyote memoir reflects on not living in a gender 'box'

Caption: “I had a gender identity, it just didn’t fit into a gender ‘box,’” author said. “I never really had words for things, but I never really identified as a girl, either.”

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